Sociology: Neighborhood Assessment and Gang Definition

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of a gang according to the Neighborhood Assessment Form?

A group of people who have a common interest in sports

A group of friends who live in the same neighborhood

A group of three or more persons who have a common hobby

An ongoing, organized association of three or more persons who have a common name or common signs, colors, or symbols and members or associates who individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in criminal activity (correct)

When did gangs, as we know them today, start to form in the United States?

1920's (correct)

1800's

1950's

1970's

What was the characteristic of gangs in the 1920's?

They were formed around neighborhoods as small as one city block

They were known for their charitable work

They were made up of family members and friends (correct)

They were mostly involved in organized crime

What happened to gangs in the 1950's?

They stayed pretty much the same Signup and view all the answers

What was a distinctive feature of gangs in the 1950's?

They were formed around neighborhoods as small as one city block Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of conflicts between gangs in the 1950's?

There were a lot of fights, but relatively few shootings or stabbings Signup and view all the answers

Where are gangs most often located?

In lower-class, ghetto, or barrio communities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the decrease in gang activity in the 1960s?

Young people's energy was spent on the Viet Nam War, Civil Rights Movement, and the draft Signup and view all the answers

What type of gang members are heavily involved in criminal activities but are 'followers'?

Peripheral gang members Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sideline activity for gangs?

Protection racket and prostitution Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the demographic makeup of modern gangs?

They are mixed groups, crossing racial and ethnic lines Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 'Wanna-be' gang members?

They are not involved in negative behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of income for gangs?

Drug sales Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason for the evolution of gangs into mixed groups?

Mobility of our society today Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of gangs are 'party gangs'?

A small percentage Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 'hard-core' gang members?

They are leaders of the gang Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of hate groups?

Targeting people who are different from themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of political groups like ALF?

To free animals from research facilities Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of terrorist groups?

Relying on violence to promote their political agenda Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ethnic gangs?

Band together based on a shared ethnic background Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of transient groups, such as Gypsies?

Having a structured organization like the Mafia Signup and view all the answers

What type of criminal activities do some Gypsies participate in?

Shoplifting, credit card fraud, and business fraud Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why people who move from cities to suburban areas may still experience gang problems?

They bring the problem with them Signup and view all the answers

What are the three social needs that are often unmet in gang members?

Caring, Recognition, and Belonging Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that law enforcement can attempt to curb gang activity?

By participating in a community awareness campaign Signup and view all the answers

What is one trait of young people who are at risk of joining gangs?

Low self-esteem and lack of empowerment Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the two "Nations" that most street gangs line up under?

The Folk Nation and The People Nation Signup and view all the answers

What is one indicator of possible gang involvement?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is one thing that the community can do to attempt to curb gang activity?

Establishing community centers Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the smaller groups within a larger gang?

Sets Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the newspaper of gangs?

Graffiti Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why many gang members come from dysfunctional families?

Because they are not getting their social needs met at home Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of a Gang

A gang is an ongoing, organized association of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, who have a common name or common signs, colors, or symbols and members or associates who individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in criminal activity.

History of Gangs

Criminal or outlaw gangs have been a worldwide phenomenon throughout history.
Gangs are an American tradition, dating back to:
- Colonial times: Pirates
- "Wild West": Bandits
- 1920s: Gangs formed in the United States, consisting of family members and friends, with a "tough guy" image.
- 1950s: Gangs became more territorial, formed around neighborhoods, and engaged in fights (rumbles) but with relatively few shootings or stabbings.
- 1960s: Organized Motorcycle gangs evolved from motorcycle clubs whose members were alienated World War II veterans.
Gang activities and growth decreased in the 1960s due to:
- Young people's energy being spent on the Viet Nam War, the draft, and the Civil Rights Movement.
From the 1970s to the present, gangs evolved into the gangs we know today, with a significant presence in:
- Lower-class, ghetto, or barrio communities
- Western, midwestern, and southeastern states

Structure of Gangs

"Hard Core" gang members:
- Most heavily involved in the gang
- Usually violent criminals
- Leaders of the gang
"Peripheral" gang members:
- Also heavily involved in criminal activities
- Followers of the gang
"Wanna Be" gang members:
- Infatuated with the gang mystic
- Not yet involved in negative behavior
- Often cause problems for law enforcement

Gang Activities

Street gangs and youth gangs are the biggest problem to communities and law enforcement.
Gang activities include:
- Drug use and sales
- Violent crimes against people and property
- Protection racket, prostitution, burglaries, and stealing/fencing of stolen property
Some gangs have a higher rate of drug use and sales, which increases the risk of becoming formal criminal organizations.

Gender and Age of Gang Members

Gangs are predominantly comprised of adolescent adult males.
Females associated with gangs are usually not given full membership status.
Some females have started their own gangs, often as an "auxiliary" to the male gang.

Race, Ethnic, and Cultural Makeup of Gangs

Gangs exist in all ethnic categories.
African American and Hispanic members predominate.
There are also white gangs, Asian gangs, and mixed groups.
Gang behavior depends on members' cultural heritage.

Reasons for Joining Gangs

Reasons for joining a gang range from:
- Wanting to have a good time
- To pursuing entrepreneurial ventures that may require considerable commitment to delinquent or criminal activity
These reasons can be divided into three categories:
- Social needs: caring, belonging, and recognition
- Most young people can get these needs from their families, but many gang members come from dysfunctional families.
- Recruitment often occurs informally through family members, friends, and drug activities.

Traits of Young People at Risk to Join Gangs

Lack of education or educational opportunities
Lack of job opportunities and skills
Absence of sufficient positive adult role models
Lack of family support
Low self-esteem and absence of a feeling of empowerment
Drug and alcohol abuse
Lack of opportunities for pro-social interactions

Indicators of Possible Gang Involvement

Be aware of:
- Clothing style and color
- Use of signs, symbols, and language
- New friends and associations
- Drug use and abuse

Street Gangs

Most street gangs line up under two "Nations":
- The Folk Nation
- The People Nation
Members of either nation will fight the other nation or sometimes among themselves.
Folk Nation:
- Refer to themselves as "Folks"
- Identify to the right (e.g., wear an earring in the right ear)
- Include gangs like the Crips and the Disciples
People Nation:
- Refer to themselves as "People"
- Identify to the left
- Include gangs like the Bloods and the Vice Lords

Other Groups

Hate groups:
- Skinheads, Nazi, and like groups
- Target someone different than themselves
Political groups:
- Have a philosophy or agenda to advance
- Examples: ALF (Animal Liberation Front)
Terrorist groups:
- Rely on violence to promote their political agenda
- Examples: Islamic Fundamentalist, Marxist groups, and Militia
Stoners:
- Against the establishment at any level
Bikers:
- Very organized, with their own society
Ethnic groups:
- Hispanic or Latino gangs, Asian gangs, or any other ethnic group that bands together and fits the definition of a gang
Transients:
- Gypsies, who may have a base but are largely mobile, with a structured society and their own language, customs, and oral history traditions.

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Description

Assess your community and understand the definition of a gang. Fill out the Neighborhood Assessment Form to identify your perceptions and compare them at the end of the class.